chapter 3

Emma's pov.

"What a great strength and threat you instil in them, but you didn't have to do that," I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

"That's the only way to deal with some animals who refuse to heed instructions," he said, turning to face me. "Because now, you owe me."

I frowned. "Owe you? For what?"

"For your life," he said, his tone serious.

I opened my mouth to argue but stopped. He wasn't wrong.

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice softer this time.

He hesitated for a moment before answering. "Someone who sees potential in you."

His answer only left me with more questions. "That's not an answer and what potential are you talking about?."

"It's the only one answer you'll get; with time, you'll learn," he said, his expression unreadable.

I felt a pull toward him, looking confused with an inexplicable connection that I couldn't ignore.

"Thank you for your concern; I appreciate your care," I said reluctantly, knowing I owed him more than I could ever repay.

He nodded, his eyes softening slightly. "Don't thank me yet, rogue. This is only the beginning."

He didn't explain further; he turned and walked away, disappearing into the night as quickly as he had appeared.

I stood there in contemplation, clutching the bread he had paid for, my mind racing. Who was he? Why had he helped me?

The most important part of it, which I was interested in, was what he even meant by "only the beginning?"

"What beginning was he referring to?"

I whispered to myself with much curiosity but I couldn't shake the feeling that my life had just taken a turn I wasn't prepared for.

A lot kept me flashing back to my past experiences. I stepped out into the cold night air with much thought in my heart.

What had I gotten myself into?

The cold night wrapped around me as I stepped into the shadowy streets, clutching the bread tighter than I needed to.

Everything looks like a dream. More thought came stripping to my mind replaying his words, his voice, and the way his presence seemed to claim the very air around him.

Meeting a stranger without knowing a few things about him, I didn't even know his name, yet I couldn't deny the pull he had on me—a magnetic force I couldn't explain. It was as if I was enchanted by him.

I walked aimlessly, the tavern growing quieter behind me. The truth was, I didn't have a plan.

Rogues rarely did. It was all about surviving the day, but tonight felt different.

The eyes of the stranger haunted me, his voice echoing in my mind.

The sound of footsteps behind me brought me to a halt. My heart raced as I turned, my instincts on edge.

"It's me," he said, his voice low and calm.

I sharply exhaled. "You again, why are you following me?".

He shrugged his hands tucked into his coat pocket. "It seems as if you missed your direction, are you lost?".

"I'm not lost," I said defensively, though I wasn't sure it was true.

He stepped closer, his eyes searching mine. "If you're not lost then what are you?".

I kept mute without an answer. Instead, I looked away, focusing on the cobblestone beneath my boots.

"Come with me; I've something to show you", he suddenly said.

I blinked up at him. "What?"

"You look famished; you're freezing alone; I know you're hungry. I have a place nearby. You can stay the night" he offered, his tone casual yet firm.

"Are you mocking me? Do I look hungry or homeless to you?" I angrily asked, defending myself.

He swiftly interjected. "Don't think negatively. That's not what I meant; I'm sorry if your thoughts do not correspond to my benevolence."

For a moment, I hesitated, although accepting his offer felt dangerous, the alternative was spending another vulnerable and exposed night in the cold.

"Why are you so kind to me? To be sincere, why are you doing this?" I asked.

He smirked. "Let's just say I'm curious about you".

Curiosity wasn't a good enough reason to trust him, but something in his gaze told me I wasn't in danger—not from him. Against my better judgment, I nodded.

We walked in silence in a small inn tucked away in a quiet corner of the town. He led me to a room, its warmth and simplicity a stark contrast to the harsh world outside.

"Feel at home; you can have the bed," he said, tossing his coat onto a chair.

I hesitated by the door. "You've been so nice to me. How do I repay you?"

He leaned against the wall, his eyes softening. "You've nothing to pay for; I noticed there's something great in you, Emma."

I was astonished by the sound of my name on his lips sending a shiver down my spine. "How do you know my name? But I don't even know yours".

"That's because you never asked". He said with a charming smile.

"So what's your name, mysterious stranger, and what great thing do you see in me?". I asked my voice barely above a whisper.

He kept mute without uttering any words; instead, he closed the distance between us, his hand brushing against my cheek.

The warmth of his touch melted the walls I'd spent years building.

For one night, I wanted to forget. Forget the pain, the loneliness, the endless fight to survive. And with him, I could.

Without another thought, I leaned in, letting the pull between us consume me.

His lips met mine, igniting a fire that burned away every thought but him. His touch was firm yet gentle, as though he understood the fragility of this moment.

The world outside disappeared as his arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer. Our breaths mingled, and the tension gave way to passion that neither of us held back.

Hours melted into each other, the room filled with whispers, soft gasps, and the sound of two souls colliding in the night. For once, I let myself feel—alive, wanted, whole.

When I woke, the room was eerily quiet. His side of the bed was cold, his presence a lingering ghost.

I sat up, scanning the unfamiliar space. Panic bubbled in my chest. This wasn't his house—it was a hotel room.

Why did he leave without saying goodbye? And who was he?